FONOM welcomes new federal support for Softwood Lumber industry
The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) is welcoming the new measures introduced by Ottawa to modernize and strengthen Canada’s softwood lumber industry.
FONOM says the federal support includes measures to improve access to financing, enhance market and product diversification, prioritize Canadian wood in federal infrastructure and housing projects, and provide direct support to workers and Indigenous forestry enterprises.
“Communities across Northeastern Ontario rely on forestry to drive local economies, support jobs, and maintain vital infrastructure,” says Danny Whalen, President of FONOM. “This announcement recognizes both the challenges and the immense opportunities facing the sector. We are encouraged to see a federal government that is prepared to act decisively in support of forest-based communities and Canadian-made solutions.”
FONOM says the shift to prioritizing Canadian lumber in federal procurement, particularly for housing and major infrastructure, will further anchor the forestry sector as a key component of Canada’s economic and climate strategies.
“As the government works to double the pace of housing construction, FONOM believes there is a critical role for Northern Ontario’s mills and forestry workforce in meeting that demand,” says Whalen. “By using Canadian wood, supporting innovation, and growing reliable new markets at home and abroad, this plan helps our industry, and our communities chart a more secure future.”
FONOM says it looks forward to working with federal officials to ensure the needs of Northern Ontario’s forestry communities are considered in the delivery of new initiatives.
Richard Coffin has been a reporter and news anchor on the radio in North Bay for over 25 years. From premiers to people in the neighbourhood, he enjoys connecting with newsmakers and writing stories that matter to area listeners on a variety of topics including healthcare, education, politics, sports and more.
